Protective helmet



Oct. 1, 1963 -.J. K. G.JANS$ON PROTECTIVE HELMET Filed March 22, 1961United States Patent This invention concerns a protective helmetcomprising a bowl-shaped outer shell, preferably of hard plasticmaterial, and an inner padding or fitting.

Protective helmets of this kind are known, the outer shell usuallyconsisting of a rigid calotte of plastic. The known helmets, however,have the disadvantage that they, in the same way as military steelhelmets, are only adaptable to heads of different sizes by adjustment ofthe padding arranged inside the outer shell. The outer shell thus oftenhas to have unnecessarily large dimensions to allow adjustment withinsufiiciently wide limits, if a very great number of different sizes ofouter shells are not manufactured and stocked. Therefore protectivehelmets or" this kind are clumsy, heavy and often impractical.

The invention has an object to set aside these disadvantages and provideprotective helmets by which the size of the outer shell itself isadaptable within Wide limits.

Icehockey players use protection for the head by which the size of thehard outer shell is adjustable to fit heads of different sizes. Thisprotection, however, only consists of a protection for the forehead andone for the back of the head, said parts being displaceable relativelyto one another. The head protection thus leaves the crown unprotectedwhich presents great risks.

The protective helmet according to the present invention, however,protects all parts of the skull, i.e. forehead, back of the head andcrown, but can in accord- .ance with the above mentioned head protectionat the same time be adapted to heads of different sizes, the size of theouter shell thereby being adjusted.

According to the invention this is achieved by providing the outer shellwith slots at the sides thereof, adapted to cover the sides of theskull, said slots extending from the edge of the outer shell up to acalotte, covering and protecting the top of the skull, whereby thediameter of the outer shell is adaptable to skulls of different sizes bydisplacing the sections of said outer shell bordering said slotsrelatively to each other while resiliently deforming the calotte.

The sections of the outer shell bordering said slots can preferably bearranged in suc.- a way that they overlap each other and the helmet isprovided with locking means for retaining the chosen size.

In one preferred embodiment the padding or fitting consists of twoseparate parts, fastened to the outer shell each on one side of theslots, and the two parts of .the padding or fitting are interconnectedby adjustable and lockable means so that the size of the outer shell canbe adapted to and retained in a chosen size by means of the padding orfitting.

Some embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described indetail with references to the accompanying schematical drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a corresponding View from below;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section of a strengthened calotte of a protectivehehnet according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a view from below of a protective helmet manufactured in twoparts, the padding being omitted;

FIG. 5 is a View from below in perspective, showing one embodiment of anadjustable padding or fitting, and

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 and showing another embodimentof an adjustable padding or fitting.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 the protective helmet comprises anouter shell 1 which preferably is manufactured or" a hard plasticmaterial. The outer shell is cup-shaped so that it can enclose a skulland cover all parts thereof, i.e. the forehead, the back of the head andthe crown, the lower edge at the forehead lying on a level with theeyebrows and at the back of the head covering the occipital bone.Furthermore, it has such a size that it surrounds the skull withconsiderable play at all sides.

In each of the parts adapted to cover the sides of the skull, i.e. atthe temples or above the ears, the outer shell 1 is provided with a slot2, extending upwardly from the lower edge 3 of the outer shell. The toppart of the cute shell forms a cap or calotte 4 meant to protect thecrown, and the slots 2 reach to the edge of said calotte.

The slots 2 and cut-outs 5 divide the outer shell 1 into two parts, ofwhich one 6 covers the front par-t of the skull while the other '7surrounds the back part thereof. These parts are connected to form aunit through the calotte 4, covering the crown. This connection,however, is not absolutely rigid so that the two parts 6 and 7 of theouter shell can be moved towards each other and away from each other sothat the size of the circumference of the outer shell 1 can be altered.Wlhen displacing the parts of the outer shell towards each other theedge sections 8 and 9, bordering the slots 2, must be bent out of theplane of the outer shell so that they overlap each other. Thus it ispossible to control the circumference of the outer shell and adapt theprotective helmet to skulls of different sizes. As the outer shellpreferably is made so that a considerable play exists between same andthe skull when the outer shell has its original form, the adaptation 'asto size can be accomplished by pressing the two parts of the outer shelltowards each other. On account thereof, the outer shell can bemanufactured in one or a few sizes and still through adjustmentbeadapted to different sizes of skulls.

The stresses caused by the displacement of the two parts of the outershell are mainly taken up by the calotte 4 which acts as a resilientjoint for the two parts 6 and 7. {If the outer shell is manufactured ofsoft and ductile material it is convenient to provide the calot-te 4with a strengthening 412 on the lower side thereof so that the stressescan be taken without the calotte 4 being folded or otherwise damaged.

The slots 2 do not have to be 'very broad. It is sufficient if they formnarrow through-incisions in the material of the outer shell 1. However,it is convenient for the top end of the slots 2 to open into openings orcut-outs 5 in the outer shell, said out-outs being considerably broaderthan the slots. By aid of said cut-outs it is possible to bring theedges 8 and 9 borderin the slots 2 into overlapping positions along alltheir length in such a way that said edges 8 and 9 are nowhere broughtinto contact with each other so that the stresses of the materialincrease when the parts 6 and 7 are displaced towards each other. Thecut-outs 5 also decrease the weight of the outer shell 1 and the lattercan also be provided with further cut-outs 39, extending from the edgesof said calotte 4 a distance downthe outer shell 1, whereby theductility of the outer shell is enhanced and the weight thereof isdecreased, but without, to any appreciable degree, decreasing theprotection said helmet offers. 7

The protecting helmet also comprises locking means by the aid of whichthe desired adjustment of the size of the outer shell is maintained. Inits simplest form said locking means consists of a rivet 11, extendingthrough the edge parts 8 and 9 overlapping each other and retaining samein the chosen degree of overlapping. The edge parts can preferably beprovided with holes 12 in rows perpendicularly to said slots 2, asuitable hole 3 in one edge part being brought into alignment with acorresponding hole in the other edge part, whereafter the rivet 11 isinserted and clinched. However, said rows of holes can be omitted andholes suitable for the chosen adjustment be taken up in the edge parts 8and 9 while fitting the helmet.

According to another embodiment said locking means can consist of astrap or band extending around the outer shell 1 perpendicularly acrosssaid slots 2, which strap or band is tightened until the outer shell isadjusted to the form suitable for the head and thereafter locked.

The locking of the two parts 6 and 7 of the outer shell 1 in theadjusted position can also be accomplished by using some sort ofeccentric locking means extending perpendicularly across each slot 2.and retaining said edge parts 8 and 9 in the desired degree ofoverlapping.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each pant 6 or 7 of saidouter shell can be manufactured separately, thereby comprising a mainlysemi-circular disc 4a which together with corresponding disc of theother part forms the calotte 4 protecting the crown. From said disc oneor more bands 13 extend in an arch downwards to a mainlysemi-cylindrical envelope 14, meant to surround the forehead and part ofthe sides of the head or the back of the head and the remaining parts ofthe sides of same respectively. In this embodiment the edge par-ts 15 ofthe semi-cylindrical envelope of one of the two parts 6 or 7 can bestepped inwards for a distance corresponding to the material thicknessof said outer shell. When the helmet is put together the correspondingedge part 16 of the other part can thus rest against these inwardlystepped edge parts 15 so that the whole of the outer shell surface issmooth. Provisions must thereby be taken so that a sufiicient distancefor the adjustment is formed between the edge 17 and the line 18 alongwhich the edge part 15 is stepped inwards. The two parts 6 and 7 of theouter shell 1 are thereafter joined along the straight edges of thediscs 4a by welding or other suitable manner. The form of the outershell 1 thus manufactured on the whole corresponds to the one alreadydescribed, therefore further details need not be described.

The inside of the outer shell 1 is in known manner furnished with apadding or fitting 20 so that the helmet can rest softly on the head.The fitting 20 of the protective helmet according to the invention is,however, contrary to known fittings constructed so that it adapts itselfto the outer shell 1 when this is adjusted. This can be achieved indilferent ways. The fitting can, for instance, consist of two altogetherseparate pants, one for each part 6 or 7 of the outer shell 1. But thefitting can also be in one piece and be supported by an easilydeformable frame of wire or plastic which, when the outer shell isadjusted to different sizes adapts itself to the inner contour of theouter shell.

Instead of adjusting the circumference of the outer shell 1 by means ofa rivet, extending through the edge parts 8 and 9 of the slots 2 asschematically shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment of the circumference ofthe shell can be performed by aid of the fitting of the helmet. Thefitting is then adapted to the size of the head and this adjustment istransferred to the rigid outer shell so that the size of the gap betweenor the degree of overlapping of said edge parts 8 and 9 is changed. Theresistance of the outer shell against knocks and the protection of thehelmet when used by an icehockey player is usually quite sufiicient evenif said edge pants are not connected to each other. A satisfactorypadding can furthermore be arranged inside the outer shell if necessary.

FIG. shows an embodiment in which a fitting consists of two bands orstraps 20, 21 of leather, plastic, etc. which are fastened to the outershell by rivets 22. The ends of the straps 20, 21 overlap each other atboth sides of the helmet and the end of one strap is provided with slots23, holes or the like, for fastening means 24, for instance, a clip,button, etc. on the other strap. With these means the jointcircumference of the straps 2t 21 can be adapted to the desired headsize and at the same time the gap between or the overlapping of the edgeparts 8 and 9 is given corresponding adjustment and the parts 6, 7 ofthe outer shell 1 are displaced relatively to each other under resilientdeformation of the calotte 4.

The fitting shown in FIG. 6 substantially corresponds to the one justdescribed. The only difference is that the straps 29, 21 are shorter sothat their ends do not overlap each other. Instead the said ends areinterconnected by adjustable bands or straps 25, the adjustment of whichis maintained by a buckle 26 or the like. The adjustment is performedsubstantially in the same way as described with reference to FIG. 5

In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 a supporting cross 27, for the crownconsisting of bands of plastic, etc. is also fastened to the outer shell1 with the rivets 22 for the straps 20, 21.

Between the straps 20, 21 and the shell apadding 28 can be arranged,said padding either being fastened to the straps or the shell or onlyinserted between them.

It is also possible to connect the straps 29, 21 with rivets or thelike, or said straps can be made in one piece, originally adapted for acertain head size, the outer shell adapting itself to the size of thefitting when same is mounted in said shell with the rivet 22. However,it is best if the fitting is adaptable as this decreases the amount ofstock and facilitates interchange of helmets between different players.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thusprovided a device of the character described possessing the particularadvantageous features before enumerated as desirable, but whichobviously is susceptible to modification in its form, proportions,detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from theprinciples involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. Protective helmet having an outer shell of hard resilient materialand an inner padding, wherein said outer shell consists of a calottesection and a rigid front strip and a rigid back strip, said front andback strips being adapted to cover and protect the forehead and neck,respectively, of the person wearing said helmet, said strips beingrigidly connected to said calotte section by the aid of connecting meansadapted to cover the top of the skull and being displaceable towardseach other, such displacement being counteracted by elastic deformationof said calotte section, and said connecting means, generated by saiddisplacement, said front and back strips being retained in the positionreached by said displacement by the aid of locking means so as to adaptsaid outer shell for heads of different sizes.

2. Protective helmet as defined in claim 1, wherein the ends of saidfront and back strips overlap each other and are provided with alignablerivet holes, said locking means consisting of rivets extending throughsaid aligned holes in said ends.

3. Protective helmet, comprising an outer shell of hard resilientmaterial and an inner padding, wherein said outer shell consists of acalotte section and a rigid front strip and a rigid back strip, saidfront and back strips being adapted to cover and protect the foreheadand neck, re-

spectively, of a person wearing said helmet, said strips being rigidlyconnected to said calotte section by the aid of connecting means,adapted to cover the top of the skull and being displaceable towardseach other, said displace ment being counteracted by elastic deformationof said calotte section and said connecting means, generated by saiddisplacement, said padding consisting of two parts fastened to saidfront and back strip, respectively, and adjustable means forinterconnecting said two parts, whereby said padding retains the helmetin the chosen displaced condition.

4. Protective helmet as defined in claim 3, wherein said means forinterconnecting said two padding parts consists of extensions of saidpadding in the form of straps provided with a row of slots and clampsengaging and holding the same.

5. Protective helmet as defined in claim 3, wherein said meansinterconnecting said two padding parts consist of adjustable straps.

References fited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSKowasik June 2, 1925 Lipschutz Dec. 6, 1927 Fischer Mar. 20, 1928 SeganNov. 22, 1960 Dye Jan. 31, 1961

1. PROTECTIVE HELMET HAVING AN OUTER SHELL OF HARD RESILIENT MATERIALAND AN INNER PADDING, WHEREIN SAID OUTER SHELL CONSISTS OF A CALOTTESECTION AND A RIGID FRONT STRIP AND A RIGID BACK STRIP, SAID FRONT ANDBACK STRIPS BEING ADAPTED TO COVER AND PROTECT THE FOREHEAD AND NECK,RESPECTIVELY, OF THE PERSON WEARING SAID HELMET, SAID STRIPS BEINGRIGIDLY CONNECTED TO SAID CALLOTE SECTION BY THE AID OF CONNECTING MEANSADAPTED TO COVER THE TOP OF THE SKULL AND BEING DISPLACEABLE TOWARDSEACH OTHER, SUCH DISPLACEMENT BEING COUNTERACTED BY ELASTIC DEFORMATIONOF SAID CALOTTE SECTION, AND SAID CONNECTING MEANS, GENERATED BY SAIDDISPLACEMENT, SAID FRONT AND BACK STRIPS BEING RETAINED IN THE POSITIONREACHED BY SAID DISPLACEMENT BY THE AID OF LOCKING MEANS SO AS TO ADAPTSAID OUTER SHELL FOR HEADS OF DIFFERENT SIZES.